A study of the needs and resources of health research ethics committees in south western Nigeria.

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Abstract

Aim: To determine the resources and needs of local Ethics Review Committees in
South Western Nigeria.
Method: This is a questionnaire-based descriptive study, where data was collected
from the chair and administrators of eight Ethics Review Committees (ERCs) in
South Western Nigeria.
Findings: This study found that six of the ERCs reviewed were established 5 years
ago and 75% of them were registered with NHREC. Of the ERCs reviewed, 75% are
aware of the national ethics code (NHREC code). The majority of these ERCs (75%)
had professionals, including doctors and scientists, as well as laypersons and nonscientists
as members. Meetings were held once a month and when needed for
37.5% of the committees, while 25% of the ERCs usually meet every 2 months. Only
a third (37.5%) of the ERCs pay their members. The majority (87.5%) of the ERCs
have standard operating procedures (SOPs) and review an average of 6–10 or 10
protocols per month. Most of the ERCs (87.5%) need research ethics training
regarding risk-benefit assessment, scientific design and HIV vaccine trials. Half of
the ERCs reviewed have funding and financial support and 50% charge a fee for
reviewed protocols. All the ERCs have computers, office space and stationery, while
50% lack access to a library. None of the committees studied have a bank account
and facsimile, while 50% do not have internet access, telephone and photocopy
machines
Outcome: The majority of ERCs in South Western Nigeria have an adequate
number of members, are familiar with international ethics guidelines and are
registered with the NHREC. They also have adequate physical resources, but lack
internet access and a library. Ongoing training of members is a challenge, as well as
providing training programmes for new members and monitoring of research.